Great, That’s 8: Lynx score 2 runs early, blank Eagles in NCC action

The Lynx scored two runs in the second inning and that’s all they would need in a 2-0 blanking of North Central Conference rival Eagle Grove. WCHS (13-4, 8-0 NCC) continued to sit alone atop the league standings and ran their lopsided scoring total to 61-2 in those games.

“We had opportunities to put more runs on the board but just couldn’t get them across,” WCHS head coach Jess Howard said. “If the wind would have been blowing a different direction it could have been a completely different story.”

The strong gusts blowing in thwarted some of the Lynx power, but they still managed to lace four doubles and finished with eight hits.

The Anderson sisters – Maddie and Erin – ignited the second-inning surge with a single and double with one out to put runners at second and third. Courtesy runner Gabbi Hoversten raced to the dish for the game’s first run on a wild pitch and Erin Anderson scored moments later on an RBI base hit off the bat of Abbey Fuhs.

Eagle Grove (9-8, 1-7 NCC) had little success against the right-handed Biere, who inched to within 14 wins of 100. She allowed just three hits and whiffed seven, and the Lynx defense played flawless behind her.

“We were able to take care of the ball defensively and get the runs that we needed,” Howard said.

WCHS will have a day off and then take a break from the NCC rigors. Howard’s club will take part in the always difficult Fort Dodge Invite on Friday and Saturday at the Rogers Sports Complex.

The Lynx will open the tournament against third-ranked (Class 2A) North Union on Friday at 9 a.m. A win would push them into the second round against either fifth-ranked (5A) Ankeny or Atlantic.